Bits n Pieces Newsletter - June/July 2012

Bits ‘n Pieces A FREE Community Newsletter for the Upper Ross June/July 2012 Upper Ross Community Centre 1143 Riverway Drive, Rasmussen, 4815 Ph: 4774 0144 Fax: 4774 0909 Email: communitycentre@urcc.org.au A division of NQ Community Services

CONTENTS Ÿ NAIDOC

Playgroup Ÿ Communty

Garden Ÿ First Aid Course Ÿ Free Computer &

Internet Training Ÿ Fitness Classes Ÿ 1 Day Wonders Ÿ Seniors Week Ÿ Free Legal

Advice Ÿ Tax Help

Volume 7, Issue 3

WHAT IS THE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE?

We often hear statements like; “I don’t know what you do?” and “Is there anything there for me?” so lets take this opportunity to tell you that the Upper Ross Community Centre is FOR EVERYONE!!

We offer social activities including weekly craft, cards & Time Out groups as well as regular community events like trivia nights. Playgroup is also held every Tuesday morning plus weekly fitness classes in Zumba, Tai Chi & the Upper Ross Walking Group. Also, don’t forget the monthly excursions, the Morning Melodies sing-a-long and the Community Garden.

Outreach services include; Tax Help between July & October, weekly Antenatal & Child Health clinics, an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Support Service plus more.

The centre also provides a range of support services including counselling, NILS (No Interest Loan Sheme), Legal Advice and a referral service for those who need assistance but don’t know where to turn.

Throw in a JP Service, Photocopying/faxing, free Seniors Internet Access & Support, free Monthly Computer training, 2nd hand book store, & a range of Community Education courses & there is definitely something there for everyone.

Open Monday to Thursday - 9am to 4pm so drop in & say hi.

UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY EXPO Saturday 12th May saw over 1,000 people enjoying great entertainment, tasty international food, interactive workshops, exciting market stalls and informative displays at the eighth annual Upper Ross Community Expo.

A big thanks to all the residents who came along and enjoyed this great day.

With so many highlights it is hard to just pick a few but the Shalom Dancers definitely got the day started with a bang. What a group of talented young people!!!

The Upper Ross Drum Circle was so much fun and a great way of bringing the community together and the energy and passion that Capoiera Brasilia and Spirit of Africa brought to the stage was amazing. All-in-all the performers definitely kept the crowd entertained all day.

The palm frond weaving workshops were well attended with many people proudly displaying their woven birds around the grounds as were the parkour workshops up in the rear compound.

With Thai and African food on offer plus a good old Aussie sausage sizzle there was plenty to choose and the ice cream van was always busy.

Finally, with over 50 market stalls and displays there was plenty to keep visitors busy all Shalom College dancers started the day off with a “BANG� day.

See you all next year!!!

The Thai food stall was very popular

475504042

NAIDOC WEEK PLAYGROUP All parents, grandparents and carers are invited to help celebrate National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Celebration (NAIDOC) with us at the Upper Ross Community on Tuesday 3rd July by participating in our NAIDOC Playgroup.

Enjoy listening to traditional Dreamtime Stories, join with your child in cultural arts and crafts and end the morning with some traditional music.

Playgroup starts at 9.30am and all children aged 0 to 5yrs are welcome.

There will also be a free morning tea.

Bookings appreciated for catering purposes but you can just turn up on the morning. Let us know you are coming by phoning 4774 0144

FITNESS FOR EVERYONE We all know how important it is to get and stay fit. Just 30 minutes a day will help you meet your minimum daily requirement of activity. At the Upper Ross Community Centre we offer a number of fitness options that may “spice up�your fitness regime or help get you started.

Tai Chi is held every Thursday night from 6.30pm in the training room while Zumba cranks up in the undercover area every Wednesday at 5.30pm.

UPPER ROSS MECHANICAL Repairs and Tyres (Next to BP Servo)

Guaranteed Mechanical & Auto Electrical Repairs to all vehicles By highly qualified technicians Unit 2, 1231 Riverway Drive Rasmussen

Ph: 4789 1299 Fax: 4774 0980

If walking is more your thing but you are concerned about safety then join the Walking Group each Tuesday & Thursday at 4.30pm as they depart from the Riverway carpark.

For more information phone 4774 0144.

FREE COMPUTER SUPPORT & ACCESS FOR SENIORS Are you aged 50+?

Want to learn about computers and the internet?

Need access to a computer or the internet?

FREE one-on-one support is available to residents aged over 50 who are interested in learning more about computers and the internet, but at their own pace.

Don’t have your own computer but would still like to access the internet?

FREE access to modern, internet ready computers is also available to those who do not have their own equipment. Both are available at the Upper Ross Community Centre. Bookings are essential on 4774 0144

TAX HELP IS BACK Need Help Preparing Your Tax Return?

The Upper Ross Community Centre will once again be offering free assistance for those needing to lodge a tax return.

Tax Help will commence on Monday 16th July and appointments can be made ONLY when all group certificates have been received.

Phone 4774 0144 to make an appointment.

SENIORS WEEK 2012 A celebratory event will be taking place at the Upper Ross Community Centre for Seniors Week on Thursday 23rd August.

While event details are still under development we ask that you mark this date on your calendar. We would hate for you to miss out.

CHEAP 2ND HAND BOOKS NOW ON SALE AT THE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE PRICES START FROM 50c

THURINGOWA MP SPENDS DAY IN PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE

Teaching students and tuckshop duty was just all in a day's work for the Member for Thuringowa, when he became 'Principal for a Day' at local schools.

As part of State Education Week, Sam Cox MP visited Willows Primary School and Thuringowa High School.

“This is a great opportunity to recognise the exceptional work of teachers and students in state schools,” Mr Cox said.

Mr Cox took part in a range of activities at Thuringowa High School, including; meeting with School Captains and visiting the science centre and bush tucker garden.

If you would like to discuss local issues with Sam Cox MP- he will be at the Upper Ross Community Centre 21 July 9.30-11.00am.

Above: Students Caitlyn Kerwin and Anastasia Morrison with Sam Cox MP

SENIORS KIOSK VOLUNTEER TUTORS INFORMATION SESSION *Do you know how to turn a computer on& navigate using the keyboard & mouse? *Do you know how to surf the internet using Internet Explorer & other search engines? *Do you know how to set-up and send emails using Google? *Do you have patience, a sense of humour & enthusiam? *Do you want to share your knowlege with other seniors?

The Upper Ross Community Centre’s Seniors Kiosk is currently seeking volunteer tutors interested in assisting local seniors to develop the skills necessary to enable them to join the information technology superhighway.

If you think you could be interested in becoming a volunteer a FREE - NO OBLIGATION Information Session will be held on Wednesday 4th July at 9.30am.

Bookings are requested on 4774 0144

EVERYONE WELCOME @ TUESDAY PLAYGROUP A supported playgroup operates at the Upper Ross Community Centre every Tuesday between 9.30am and 11am. This is a chance for mums, dads, grandparents or carers to spend some quality time with their children while also enjoying the opportunity to socialise with other adults.

A staffmember will support you to interact with your children and build those all-important bonds as well as learning some great playtime strategies to make your “together time” even more fun.

Bring morning tea, drinks, waterbottle for children, sun hats and a piece of fruit as a snack for your child.

UPPER ROSS BIGGEST MORNING TEA If you didn’t make it along to our Biggest Morning Tea on 2nd May then you missed out on a great morning. Raising over $100 for the Cancer Council everyone joined in the singalong with Dave South and Friends as part of our Musical Moments monthly get together. Thank you to all who attended, your donations were greatly appreciated.

COMMUNITY GARDEN After a successful working bee on Saturday 19th May the community garden is looking wonderful. The new plants are flourishing and are loving all this rain.

The slab has been laid for the new garden shed and thanks to Queensland Health’s “Swap It - Don’t Stop It” campaign we have been able to purchase some new equipment.

We are still welcoming new volunteers who would like to spend some time in the garden and especially would like to hear from families. There will be someone in the garden every Monday, Wednesday & Saturday between 830am and 10am.

For more information on how to get involved phone 4774 0144.

ONE DAY WONDERS Seniors Day Trip A great day was had by all at Lucinda in May as the pictures show.

The next trip will be on Wednesday 25th July and the bus will be heading to Bowen. You will leave the community centre around 8am on and return by 4pm.

HANDY HARDWARE OP EN & SE VE N ELECTRICAL DA Y

S

Try us first For all your maintenance needs in the Upper Ross

PHONE: (07) 4773 2428 Bike Tyres and Tubes Hand Tools Household Keys Welding Supplies

Cnr Gollogoly Lane & Riverway Drive, Condon

Bookings are essential and there is a cost involved. Get in early as the May trip booked out quickly.

For more information or to make a booking call the Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144

FREE LEGAL ADVICE Do you need to speak someone about a legal concern?

Need advice or direction on what your legal options are?

The Upper Ross Community Centre offers a free Legal Advice Clinic every Tuesday.

Bookings are Essential Phone 4774 0144 to make an appointment to speak to a qualified lawyer.

FIRST AID COURSE You just can’t afford NOT to have a First Aid Certificate these days. This one day course will provide you with all the skills necessary to perhaps save a life - maybe a family member or friend.

Renew your CPR certificate for only $50 or take the full course for $100.

The next course is being held at the Upper Ross Community Centre on Saturday 11th August from 8am.

Places are strictly limited so book now by calling the office on 4774 0144

N & J DEVALTER YOUR LOCAL BLOKE SERVICING THE UPPER ROSS AND SURROUNDS ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING AND SPLIT SYSTEMS AIRCONDITIONING INSTALLS AND MAINTENANCE SERVICING ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

PHONE: 0429 648 399 Refrigerant licence No. Lo56918 Electrical Contractor No. 69820

COMMUNITY VISITORS NEEDED What is the Community Visitors Scheme?

Part of the Commonwealth Government's initiatives to enhance the rights of older people living in residential aged care facilities. A community visitor befriends a resident of a nursing homes who may be lonely and not regularly receiving visitors.

Who will I visit?

Every effort will be made to ensure that you get as much out of befriending someone as they will get out of your visits. We will try to find you someone to visit who has similar interests.

What will it achieve? Ø Improve the quality of life of residents Ø Assist residents to maintain independence Ø Minimise residents isolation from the community they previously resided in.

Think you could be interested? Phone us on 4774 0144 for more information.

... e r a We Your CONCRETERS

Ross 0407 654 951

Yummy Bananna Oat Bar Recipe Ingredients Serves: 18 ·125g rolled oats ·125g caster sugar ·2 teaspoons baking powder ·1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ·1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda ·100g sultanas ·225g mashed bananas ·4 tablespoons skim milk ·2 egg whites ·1 teaspoon vanilla essence Preparation method 1. Preheat oven to 180c.

2. Mix together dry ingredients. In a separate bowl mix together bananas, egg whites, and vanilla.

Combine and beat all together.

3. Bake in a 23x33cm slice tin, which has been lightly greased or lined with baking paper, for about 35 minutes.

Cool and cut into bars. You can sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, if desired.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES CRAFT Mondays from 9.30am

If you love your craft, like to have a chat, enjoy sharing ideas, want to learn new skills and make new friends as well, then our Monday morning Craft Group is just what you are looking for. Why sit at home alone quilting, sewing, knitting, scrapbooking or doing whatever craft you enjoy? Come along and join other craft-lovers, pick up and share tips, ideas and friendship.

CARDS Thursdays from 9am Looking for something different to do? Enjoy a good game of cards?

Want to make new friends Come along and join our social cards group.

TIME OUT Tuesdays from 9.30am Lonely? Bored? Nothing to do? Feeling isolated?

Try Time Out - a friendly, social morning for men and women who just want to get out the house, catch up with old friends or make new ones and enjoy a cuppa and a chat.

Everyone Welcome!!

MUSICAL MOMENTS First Wednesday of the Month from 9.30am Join Dave South and his band of merry muso’s for a good ol’Aussie sing-a-long. We supply the music, song books and morning tea and you supply the lungs and the laughter. A fun morning suitable for everyone - You won’t know what you are missing until you try it!!

“ Specialising in the Upper Ross”

9 Connemara Course, Kelso www.rossriver.com.au

Kelso Country Music Club Thuringowa RSL Club - Kelso Sunday Country 2pm - 7pm (Walkups) Ÿ 17th June Ÿ 15th July Friday Night Cabaret 7.30pm - 11pm Entertainment by invited guests Ÿ 22nd June Ÿ 27th July

WHAT’S ON AT THE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE

JUNE & JULY MONDAY 8.30-10am Community Garden 9.00 Gentle Exercise 9.30am Craft

TUESDAY 8.30-10am Community Garden 9.00am Gentle Exercise 9.30-11am Playgroup 9.30-11.30am Timeout 9.30-11.30am Computers 4.00pm Legal Advice 4.30 Walking Group

WEDNESDAY 8.30-10am Community Garden 8.30am Midwife 9.00am Indigenous Support 5.15pm Zumba

THURSDAY 8.30am Midwife 9.00am Child Health 9.00am Social cards 4.30pm Walking group 6.30 Tai Chi

SATURDAY 8.30-10am Community Garden

WHERE TO PICK UP YOUR COPY OF BITS ‘n PIECES Don’t have the internet or a computer at home? You can still grab a copy of the Bits ‘n Pieces newsletter every two months at select business outlets throughout the Upper Ross.

Look for the Bits ‘n Pieces newsletter holders at the following places; *IGA Rasmussen *Gumvale Mini Mart *Riverway Chemist *Kelso Fish Shop *UR Medical Centre *Carlyle Gardens *McDonalds Rasmussen *BP Rasmussen and of course you can always call into the Upper Ross Community Centre and say hello while picking up a copy!!